International Travel

All students, faculty, and staff engaging in university-related international travel must comply with the GU International Travel Policy (new window). Georgetown students, faculty, and staff frequently travel abroad for University-related purposes including business, research, study, and program development. International travel may pose significant health and safety risks, and for this reason, Risk Management encourages travelers to carefully plan for trips prior to departure. Preparation for travel should take into consideration government warnings, University policies, health insurance including medical and security evacuation, and country-specific requirements. For tips on cyber safety while traveling abroad, please see the University Information Security Office’s Travel Tips.

State Department Travel Warnings

Prior to traveling we advise all individuals to visit the U.S. Department of State Website and review the travel warning information to manage travel in accordance with the Department’s recommendations. Additionally, we strongly encourage all individuals to register your travel with the Department of State.

Georgetown’s Travel Policies

Faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad must comply with the University’s International Travel Policy for all international travel supported by or related to the University. The policy extends to any student travel that is University-sponsored or conducted for academic credit at the University, regardless of whether it is part of an organized program. For further guidance on how to comply with this policy, please see the additional information included on the Office of Global Services website. All faculty, staff, and students should familiarize themselves with the University’s Infectious Disease Travel Policy as it relates to overseas travel.

International SOS and Travel Assistance Services

Georgetown maintains a membership with International SOS, an international emergency medical assistance and security services provider, to manage the health and security risks facing our international travelers and expatriates. Georgetown has access to International SOS’ worldwide network of logistics coordinators, physicians, security professionals, hospitals, ambulances, and aviation services, as well as online country guides and travel security resources.

If you are in an emergency situation while traveling, you should contact International SOS. They will respond immediately and notify the University’s on-call staff in the United States. Please be aware that some of the International SOS services outlined below have additional charges.

Georgetown’s Travel Authorization and Resources Page provides information regarding travel assistance along with medical and security evacuation services and travel medical insurance information. Georgetown travelers can register their travel online and access travel reports through Georgetown’s International SOS Portal.

Travel Medical Insurance

International SOS will assist you in obtaining the best medical care available locally or, if necessary, make arrangements for you to return home to receive appropriate medical attention. In most instances, medical expenses incurred abroad will have to be paid out-of-pocket and reimbursement sought later from the insurance carrier. If you are unable to arrange for payment of medical expenses at the time of service, International SOS may contact Georgetown to guarantee payment of costs associated with your care. Any expenses paid by the University on your behalf must be reimbursed and will be billed to you at a later date.

International SOS is not international health insurance. Georgetown University encourages all faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad to maintain appropriate health insurance. Prior to traveling, you should check with your insurance carrier to determine what medical services are covered abroad. Health insurance coverage available through the university can be found at the Faculty and Staff Benefits website and the Student Health Insurance website.

While there are many insurance plans available for travel abroad, this list is a sample of options to illustrate the breadth of coverage options and range of limits. Inclusion in this list does not indicate endorsement, as the policies have not been officially reviewed nor approved by the University.

Release/Assumption of Risk

Depending on the nature of student activities a program sponsors, it may be necessary for both faculty and students to sign a release indicating that their participation is voluntary, that they understand the risks involved, and that they will abide by the University’s code of conduct. Check with Georgetown’s Office of Risk Management or Office of University Counsel regarding requirements for a release or assumption of risk.

Vehicle Rentals

If departments or organizations find it necessary to rent vehicles from an agency in a foreign country for approved University functions or business on a short-term basis, the vehicle should be rented in the name of the University. Because of the difference in insurance requirements in other countries, departments should always purchase all available insurance provided by the rental agency.

If a program needs ground transportation for students, staff and/or alumni, we recommend that GU contract with a charter transportation company to provide such services (bus or van together with driver). Risk Management can review the contract for insurance information.

Leading A Trip, or Planning a Trip Abroad?

Visit Georgetown’s Traveler’s Resource website for information, requirements, funding, resources, a pre-trip checklist and more.